Lee County, Florida
Health insurance for Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and Lee County
If you work for yourself in Lee County, you're in good company. I'm a licensed health insurance agent who helps contractors, small business owners, and families here compare health plans and keep the doctors they trust.
Network change
Heads up: Lee Health's network is changing in 2027
Lee Health has announced that starting January 1, 2027, its hospitals and doctors will be out of network for affected UnitedHealthcare employer-based, individual, and Medicare Advantage plans. Lee Health also says UnitedHealthcare already treats it as out of network on its Marketplace plans.
Lee Health runs the county's largest hospital system, including Lee Memorial Hospital, HealthPark Medical Center, Gulf Coast Medical Center, Cape Coral Hospital, and Golisano Children's Hospital. If your doctors are part of Lee Health, check your plan's network before you renew.
That's exactly the kind of thing I check with you. Before you apply, we look up your doctors and hospitals on each plan, so you aren't surprised by an out-of-network bill in February.
Emergency care is a different story. Federal law requires emergency care regardless of network, so if it's an emergency, go to the nearest ER.
Local hospitals
More hospital choices are on the way
HCA Florida is growing here too. It bought Lehigh Hospital, now HCA Florida Lehigh Hospital, runs freestanding ERs in Cape Coral and Fort Myers, opened another one near Alico Road in October 2026, and plans a full hospital in Cape Coral that's expected to open in 2029. Each insurance company builds its own network, so the right plan for you depends on where you actually go for care.
Who I help
A county built by people who work for themselves
Lee County has about 49,000 self-employed workers, based on Census Bureau estimates. Think builders, roofers, pool techs, real estate agents, charter captains, and restaurant owners. Most of them buy their own coverage.
Here's how I help:
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1099 contractors and tradespeople
I line up private and Marketplace options and add up what each would cost you over a full year, deductible included.
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Seasonal business owners
If your income rises and falls with the season, I'll explain how that affects each type of plan.
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Small teams
If you've got a crew of 5 or 6 and nobody handling benefits, I'll walk you through practical options.
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People leaving a job
Compare COBRA with your other choices before you decide.
Seasonal income
When your income changes with the season
Marketplace tax credits are based on your best guess of the year's income, and they get settled when you file your taxes. If you guess low, you may owe some back. Private plan prices don't depend on your income at all. They're based on things like your age and your health. For business owners with uneven income, that difference is worth talking through.
How it works
What to expect, step by step
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Run your numbers
Answer 4 quick questions for a starting price on private and Marketplace plans.
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List your doctors
Before our 30-minute call, write down your doctors and hospitals, especially any that belong to Lee Health.
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Check every network
During the call, we look up each one on every plan we compare.
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Apply with my help
Once you pick a private plan, I guide you through every page of the application.
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Call me when things change
My help doesn't end at enrollment. If your network changes, call me and we'll work through it together.
FAQ
Lee County FAQs
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Does the Lee Health change affect my Marketplace plan?
According to Lee Health, UnitedHealthcare already treats Lee Health as out of network on its Marketplace plans. Other insurance companies have their own networks. Always confirm with the plan before you enroll, and I'll help you check.
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My income swings a lot. Which plan type is safer?
It depends on your health and how big the swings are. If you might qualify for a tax credit in a slow year, the Marketplace could help. If you're healthy and your income is well above the subsidy limit, a private plan may be worth a look. We'll run both.
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Do you work with people in Cape Coral and the rest of Lee County?
Yes. I help people all over Lee County, including Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Estero, Lehigh Acres, Bonita Springs, Fort Myers Beach, and Sanibel.
Get your estimate in under a minute
Answer 4 quick questions to get a starting number. If you want to talk it over, grab a time on my calendar. Keep in mind that private plans check your health history first, so approval isn't automatic.
From the blog
Keep reading
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1099 Contractor Insurance: Private vs. Marketplace Plans
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How to Compare Private Health Plans and Pick the Right One
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Other Florida areas I serve: St. Augustine and St. Johns County, Naples and Collier County, Port St. Lucie and the Treasure Coast, Palm Bay, Melbourne, and the Space Coast. See every state I serve.